Novel Influenza A Infections

About

Novel influenza A virus infection is caused by an influenza A virus subtype that is different from currently circulating human influenza H1 and H3 viruses. Novel subtypes include, but are not limited to, H2, H5, H7, and H9 subtypes. Influenza H1 and H3 subtypes originating from a non-human species or from genetic reassortment between animal and human viruses are also novel subtypes. Novel subtypes are detected with methods available for identification of currently circulating human influenza viruses at state public health laboratories (e.g., real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction [RT-PCR]). Confirmation that an influenza A virus represents a novel virus will be performed by CDC's influenza laboratory.
Currently monitored novel influenza subtypes include:

• Avian Influenza H5N1 (Bird Flu)

H3N2v

H3N2v, also known as H3N2 variant, influenza A was first reported in pigs in the United States in 2010. It is deemed a variant strain because it has been found to infect humans even though it normally circulates within populations of pigs. Cases of H3N2v influenza A infections in humans were first reported in the United States in 2011. Please review the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) H3N2v Influenza web page at http://www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/h3n2v-basics.htm for the most current updates on case numbers and affected states/countries..

CDC is working closely with state and local officials and international partners to provide assistance with epidemiologic investigation, diagnostic testing and the provision of guidance documents.

The symptoms of H3N2v influenza virus in people are similar to the symptoms of seasonal flu and include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, body aches, headache, chills and fatigue. Some cases also report diarrhea and vomiting.

Surveillance

Georgia is conducting enhanced surveillance to identify H3N2v influenza illness. The goals of enhanced surveillance are to determine the severity of H3N2v influenza disease and describe the epidemiologic pattern of human illness with this virus strain.

Prevention

The best way to prevent influenza, is to get vaccinated and to practice proper hygienic practices. 2012-2013 influenza vaccine is available at public health departments, clinics and healthcare provider offices. For more information, visit flu vaccine locator tool at http://flushot.healthmap.org.
The Georgia Department of Public Health is recommending the following infection prevention measures:

• Cover your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the tissue in the trash after you use it. Or you may cough or sneeze into your sleeve to contain the droplets (not your hands).
• Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are also effective.
• Try to avoid close contact with sick people.
• If you get sick, stay home from work or school and limit contact with others to keep from infecting them.

For more information on preventing the flu and other diseases, see Infection Prevention Tips for Staying Healthy.
In addition, Georgia residents should:

• Follow public health advice regarding school closures, avoiding crowds and other social distancing measures.
• Develop a family emergency plan as a precaution. This should include storing a supply of food, medicines, facemasks, alcohol-based hand sanitizers and other essential supplies.
• Stay informed. The most up-to-date information about influenza can be found on the CDC's website or by calling 1-800-CDC-INFO for more information.

If people are ill, they should attempt to stay at home and limit contact with others until they are symptom-free for 24hrs. If you are caring for a sick family member in your home, CDC has provided valuable information for home care and for protecting yourself and family members here.

Clinicians

Laboratory testing for seasonal influenza is available at the Georgia Public Health Laboratory and through several reference laboratories. Please read the updated Guidance for Novel Influenza Virus Testing for more information on testing through the Georgia Public Health Laboratory.
The Georgia Department of Public Health follows CDC guidance and recommendations. Information about seasonal influenza guidance and recommendations can be found on the CDC website.

Avian Influenza H5N1 (Bird Flu) Virus

Avian influenza viruses usually infect birds, but some strains can also infect humans. Humans that get avian influenza usually have come in direct contact with infected birds, birds that have died from avian influenza, or bird droppings. "Bird flu" typically refers to an influenza A virus type called H5N1.

There are two types of influenza A H5N1: highly pathogenic and low pathogenic. The H5N1 strain commonly called "bird flu" is the highly pathogenic type. This virus strain typically infects wild waterfowl, such as ducks, and is now found in Asia, Africa, and Europe. Birds infected with highly pathogenic H5N1 virus can experience very mild to very severe symptoms, including death. Rarely, domestic birds, such as chickens, also get infected with "bird flu" H5N1. In poultry, it causes severe illness and death. In rare instances, the "bird flu" virus can be transmitted to humans primarily through direct exposure to infected birds or the environment where the birds live. When people get infected with "bird flu" virus, it can cause severe illness and death. Currently, avian influenza H5N1 does not pass easily between people, so it has not become a pandemic influenza strain.

The highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 strain ("bird flu") has not been found in the United States to date. It also has not been found in the rest of the western hemisphere, including Canada, Mexico, and Central and South America. There is ongoing surveillance throughout the US and the world to look for "bird flu" in migratory waterfowl. In the US, the US Department of Agriculture, US Department of the Interior and the US Department of Health and Human Services work together on this surveillance. Their findings are available here.

Highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 ("bird flu") has been found in Asia, Africa, and Europe. International travelers should be aware of all infectious diseases they may encounter in their travels, including avian influenza. To learn about diseases in the countries you are visiting, click here.

To see a timeline of highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 human and animal infections around the world since it was found in 1996, click here.

Avian Influenza ("Bird Flu") Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions for Duck Hunters
Avian Influenza Information for Duck Hunters Pamphlet
Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) (CDC)
Avian Influenza (WHO)
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Early Detection Data System (NBII)
Wildlife Damage Management (USDA National Wildlife Disease Program)
National Wildlife Health Center (USGS)
Georgia Response Plan for HPAI in Poultry (Georgia Department of Agriculture)
Think Avian Flu! Poster